Swansea today appointed Australian John Connolly as their new coaching director.

Swansea today appointed Australian John Connolly as their new coaching director.

Connolly will link up with the Welsh-Scottish League champions after his existing contract at French giants Stade Francais expires next June.

The former Queensland Reds supremo guided Paris-based Stade to last season's Heineken Cup final, when they lost a thrilling encounter 34-30 against English champions Leicester.

He has agreed a two-year contract with Swansea, and will succeed New Zealander John Plumtree in the coaching hot-seat.

''I am excited about this new challenge for next season,'' Connolly said. ''The tradition of the club and their achievements over the years are fairly well documented, including their victory over Australia in 1992.

''They are a club that has really made up its mind to go forward, but I would remind everyone that, until next June, my first priority remains in Paris with Stade Francais, to whom I will remain 100% committed.''

Stade have already moved to find Connolly's successor by securing the services of ex-Springboks coach Nick Mallett.

During his 12 years as Queensland coach, Connolly masterminded victories against all the Six Nations countries, while also winning the 1994 and 1995 Super 10 tournaments.

Connolly was also an Australian Test selector during the Wallabies' 1991 World Cup-winning campaign.

''John is one of the world's outstanding coaches, and we are absolutely delighted to have signed him,'' said Swansea board member and former Wales full-back Roger Blyth.

''We are sure that he will strengthen us at all levels of the game, not just regarding first team rugby, but right down to the junior levels.''

Plumtree and Swansea went their separate ways last month after a disappointing campaign so far.

Qualification for Heineken Cup knockout stages is beyond Swansea, barring a mathematical miracle, while Saturday's victory against Caerphilly was only their fifth from nine Welsh-Scottish League starts this term, and they currently occupy a mid-table position.